Symptoms
- Noticeable bumps or dips when walking or mowing
- Mower scalps grass on high spots
- Water pools in low areas after rain
Likely causes
- CommonSoil settling unevenly over timeNatural settling, especially over previously disturbed soil, creates dips.
- CommonDecaying tree roots or old stumps below the surfaceAs buried roots decompose, the ground above sinks.
- PossibleAnimal burrows or tunnelingGrubs, moles, or other burrowing animals can create both raised and sunken areas.
- PossibleBuried construction debris or poor original gradingYards on newer construction can have inconsistent fill material underneath.
What to do
- Mark low and high spots across the lawn while walking it, noting patterns near trees or previous digging.
- For minor dips, apply a topdressing mix of soil and sand, filling gradually in thin layers over several weeks to avoid smothering grass.
- For significant depressions, cut and peel back the turf, add fill soil, compact it, then relay the turf on top.
- Address any active pest or animal burrowing separately, since new tunnels will keep creating fresh dips.
- Reseed or patch any bare spots created during the leveling process and water consistently while establishing.
- For widespread unevenness across a large lawn, consider a core aeration and topdressing service as a more efficient approach.
Tools and parts
- Rake
- Shovel
- Lawn roller (optional)
Topdressing soil mixSearch: “lawn topdressing soil mix”
Grass seed for repairSearch: “grass seed for lawn patching”
When to call a pro
A lawn care company can perform larger-scale grading, aeration, and topdressing more efficiently than manual leveling for significant unevenness.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.